Antioxidants in Fruits, Veggies and Nuts May Counteract Harmful Reproductive Impacts of Microplastics, Scientists Find

The antioxidants that make fruits and vegetables so colorful have been found to potentially counteract some of the worst effects of microplastics on the reproductive system.

The powerful antioxidants could even be used to develop future treatments, according to new research.

“The accumulation of [microplastics/nanoplastics] contaminants across ecosystems raises significant concerns for human health due to their potential dispersion within the human body through respiratory, integumentary, and digestive systems,” the authors of the study wrote. “[T]here is evidence suggesting that they could disrupt the endocrine system, exert influence on fertility, and impair embryonic development.”

The researchers focused on the reproductive toxicity of microplastics and anthocyanins — plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables and nuts. They discovered that anthocyanins likely protect against a host of microplastics-induced reductions in estrogen and testosterone, decreased sperm counts and lower sperm quality, impacts on hormones, damage to ovaries and erectile dysfunction, reported The Guardian.

“The search for natural compounds to counteract these harmful effects is ongoing, with anthocyanins emerging as a promising candidate,” the authors wrote in the study. “These compounds may exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, mitigate oxidative damage, and improve the function of steroid receptors such as androgen and ERs, which are crucial in maintaining reproductive health. The modulation of these receptors by anthocyanins may help restore hormonal balance, reduce cellular stress, and protect reproductive organs from plastic-induced damage.”

Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces produced when larger plastics break down. The dangerous particles contain an array of chemicals, many of which — such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, BPA and heavy metals — present serious health risks.

Microplastics have made their way into the human body through the food chain and have been found to have the ability to cross brain and placental barriers. They have also been associated with increased inflammation, risk of cancer and heart attack and can alter the essential gut microbiome.

The ubiquitous particles have been discovered in breast milk, ovarian tissue, testicles, semen, placentas and fetuses.

By safeguarding the blood-testis barrier and stopping microplastics from making their way into bodily tissues, some of the plant compounds have been demonstrated to improve sperm count and spermatogenesis, a crucial step in sperm development.

Impacts on women’s fertility could be helped by the seeming ability of anthocyanins to protect hormone receptors against plastic chemicals like phthalates, bisphenol and cadmium — chemicals that can cause hormonal responses or mimic hormones.

“Plants offer a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can counteract these harmful effects. Among these, anthocyanins, natural colorants responsible for the vibrant hues of fruits and flowers, exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neoplastic properties. Moreover, anthocyanins can modulate sex hormone levels and alleviate reproductive toxicity,” the authors wrote.